Historic low water levels in White Bear Lake has exposed up to 150 feet of dry lake bed in front of many homes. State officials say the exposed beach is considered lake bottom and most maintenance operations need permits. 25 warnings and one citation have been issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to homeowners who have mowed, raked, and chemically treated the ground.

DNR Central Region Enforcement Manager Captain Greg Salo said that vegetation; primarily bulrush established a foundation during low water levels and flourishes during wet years. Ducks and fish like to feed on the vegetation and live in the weeded areas and removal of the bulrush hurts fish and waterfowl habitat.